To My Favorite Professor

His students and colleagues can attest to his greatness. His genius is unparalleled. His passion for Taxation Law is astounding. His unique style of teaching is unmatched.  He is legendary -and that's not an exaggeration.

I consider myself very lucky to have Professor Sababan as my professor. I truly admire his brilliance. He's the reason I fell in love with Taxation Law for the first time. From a scaredy cat student, he showed me the unappreciated beauty of  "the of the most feared subject in the field of law."  He mixes his lessons with twists of funny jokes, Philippine geography, history of music, and the sport of cockfighting. His lectures and recitations were always serious and insanely hilarious at the same time.

He has a unique way of pushing his students to study, which I can describe as a mix of a joke and reverse psychology:

Professor Francis Sababan.

"Hoy Boy George! (refering to me) Isusumbong kita sa tatay mo. Hindi mo pa naiintindihan ang batas na 'to! Kung anak lang kita, ginugulpi kita para magaral ka! Palibhasa, ang bait ng tatay mo kaya hindi ka niya sinasapok. (The whole class erupted in laughter). Ayusin mo! (More laughs.)

He motivated me in ways he doesn't even realize. I was 100% present in his class.  I would study his book day and night until I understood the topic.  He brought out the best in me, that is why when I passed his tax 1, it was really fulfilling.

Prof. Sababan spent the last weeks of his life for  his students. After being released from intensive care unit two months ago, instead of taking a leave, he immediately went  back to teach in our advance review classes.

In his last class lecture in our tax 2, he taught the value of appreciating one's parents for their sacrifices for  supporting us in our study of law. He explained that success in law school is not brought about by  social status but by perseverance and determination. If I had known that day  was the last day I'd see Professor Francis Sababan, I would have hugged him, and thanked him.

Today is a day of mourning  for the field of legal education.  Professor Francis Sababan passed away at one o'clock  this morning (1:00a.m) from complications caused by diabetes.

Taxation Law will never be the same without you sir. We will miss you.  I promise to read and understand your book, the  codal, your notes, and your recorded lectures if this is the only way I can thank you.

Farewell to you sir and may you rest in peace.